It's not the way they're portrayed, but contrary to public opinion, many "baby-boomers"
rely heavily on gadgets to help them become better drivers, according to new
research.

Over-50s tend to value gizmos that improve their safety or enhance their "driving experience" but are far less likely than younger drivers to have distracting devices such as iPods or Blackberries on board.

According to Saga Motor Insurance, 32 per cent of over-50s use sat-navs while 20 per cent use cruise control systems when driving.

Over 50s are also the most responsible when it comes to using hand-held mobiles in the car. Just one in ten (12 per cent) of over-50s surveyed say they have used a hand-held mobile while driving since it became illegal in 2003, compared to over a quarter (28 per cent) of those under 50 and a third (33 per cent) of 18-34 year-olds.

More worryingly, 22 per cent of 18-34s text while driving and two per cent of all motorists admit to emailing behind the wheel.

The survey of 2,000 British adults found that some drivers find gadgets designed to aid driving, more of a distraction. One third of drivers (31 per cent) said they find hands-free mobile technology distracting and 35 per cent said sat-navs were off-putting.

Andrew Goodsell, Executive Chairman Saga Group, said: "Installing high-tech gadgets, or leaving personal possessions such as mobiles and laptops in the car is an attraction to thieves, so we are urging people to make sure they keep high value items out of sight and to check they have adequate insurance cover."